American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

What is a primary treatment for systemic exertion intolerance disease?

1. Antidepressants

2. Cognitive-behavioral therapy

3. Physical therapy

4. Medications for pain relief

The correct answer is: Cognitive-behavioral therapy

In the context of systemic exertion intolerance disease (SEID), also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is recognized as a valuable primary treatment option. CBT aims to help patients manage their illness by addressing the cognitive and behavioral patterns that contribute to their symptoms and functional limitations. This therapeutic approach is particularly beneficial as it equips individuals with strategies to cope with the challenges of their condition, helping them to gradually improve their daily functioning and quality of life. Research has shown that CBT can lead to improvements in both physical and mental health outcomes for individuals with SEID. By altering unhelpful beliefs and behaviors related to exertion and activity, patients often become more adept at pacing themselves, managing fatigue, and engaging in social and physical activities at a manageable level. This intervention contrasts distinctly with various other options that are not primary treatments for SEID. For instance, while antidepressants and medications for pain relief may assist with specific symptoms such as pain or depression, they do not address the underlying cognitive and behavioral aspects of illness that CBT targets. Similarly, although physical therapy can be beneficial in some contexts, its application for SEID is less focused on addressing the psychological component of the